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For biz, the gift that keeps on giving

Pie maker counts on piece of holiday action

The holiday economy, the six weeks leading up to Christmas, is critical to the prosperity of Chesterfield Township-based Achatz Handmade Pie Co., said Wendy Achatz, the company's owner and founder.

Achatz's eight retail stores across Southeast Michigan don't generate a profit until the holidays, she said. One-third of the company's revenue — a projected $10 million in 2013 — comes from the holiday rush.

"We're not making a lot of money in the first six to seven months of the year, but in the last six weeks it goes from rain clouds to sunshine," Achatz said.

Achatz bumps its employment up 25 percent to 140 full- and part-time employees during the holiday season, Achatz said. Its managers, at its stores and Chesterfield Township bake house, work between 70 hours and 80 hours a week during the rush.

Of its 85 flavors, Achatz's pumpkin pie, Michigan 4-Berry pie and one of its 17 cream-based pies are the most popular during the season, Achatz said.

Its 10-inch, 3-pound pies range from $15.99 to $18.99.

Michigan-themed baskets help carry store sales

Michigan-made specialty store Heart of Michigan LLC experiences a similar boost, with 25 percent of its $350,000 in annual revenue cumulating during the holiday season, said owner Karen Wing.

The Howell-based storefront specializes in products produced in the state, and gift baskets are its largest seller during the holidays. Wing said the store expects to sell about 2,000 gift baskets in its store or online catalog this holiday season.

"We see a lot of baskets being shipped to relatives that have moved out of state and are missing Michigan products," Wing said. "I've also had a lot of people who have never lived in Michigan getting products from their friends who live in the state."

Wing said the baskets are also popular as corporate gifts. The most popular baskets are its Michigan Classics, Michigan Game Day and Michigan Cherry Lovers gift boxes.

Wing hires an additional two to three employees, up from two, during the holiday season.

Mitten State finds 'sweet spot'

Nostalgia and pride fuel sales for Comstock Park-based The Mitten State, which prints and sells its own brand of Michigan-themed T-shirts and apparel.

The shirt company is expecting $300,000 to $400,000 in sales, or 30 percent to 40 percent of its annual revenue, during this holiday season.

Its apparel features slogans like "Say Yes to Michigan," "America's High Five" and "Detroit Can't Be Beat." T-shirts retail for $28, and sweatshirts retail for as much as $60.

Will Bransdorfer, co-founder and head of product development, said The Mitten State's products cater to the spirit of the holidays and price points.

"One of the most important factors is we fall into a sweet spot for gifts because we're not terribly expensive, but not cheap," Bransdorfer said. "There's an emotional tie for the things we sell, and this time of year is all about family and getting together — that's what we sell and stand for as a company."

To accommodate the influx of orders, The Mitten State has hired an additional four workers packaging product in its warehouse seven days a week.